Sailor delayed at sea gets honored in private graduation ceremony

Graduation day is one of the most memorable days in one’s life and for US Navy Petty Officer Third Class Francis Oladipo it would be even more memorable. Graduating from National University with his Master’s in public health, PO3 Oladipo’s family flew twenty-five hours from Nigeria to celebrate his accomplishment. With the USS Anchorage delayed and no helicopters available, PO3 Oladipo wouldn’t be make it to land in time for the ceremony.

Finding out that he would miss the ceremony was a sullen moment. He told FOX 5 “They said, ‘they’re trying to see if we can still make it,’ but we couldn’t, and I was so down like I’m just going to keep it to myself.”

His Captain worked with the university’s president to put together a ceremony that would mean a great deal more to PO3 Oladipo. A private ceremony with his wife, son, brother, parents, commanding officer and shipmates, PO3 Oladipo was elated to celebrate this accomplishment with those who have helped him get there.